The Song, Pantomime and Drama Society (SPADS) received the award from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) for its production of Sleeping Beauty.

The show, written by SPADS member Helen Lohan, was held at the Plinston in Letchworth GC during the Christmas period in a near sell-out run.

In the official review, the NODA representative for district 9, which covers north and east Hertfordshire, “found the children to be totally engrossed in the story and the action”.

Patrick Lohan, chairman of SPADS, which is celebrating its 75th year, said: “This is a great reward for all the hard work that went into such a wonderful production. From on-stage, back-stage and front of house, it was a marvellous team effort.

“Special thanks must go to Helen Lohan for writing the script and Annabel Clarke for producing the show. This bodes well for our move to St Francis Theatre this coming Christmas - bring on our 75th year!”

For more information about upcoming shows, including Happy Families which runs between June 21 and 23, visit www.spads-drama.org.uk

As Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership waits for an announcement on government funds which could be used to revamp Stevenage railway station and begin the transformation of the town centre, Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland has claimed it does not have the backing of millions of pounds of private funds it has suggested.